Staying Healthy on St. Kitts

Even in a safe place like St. Kitts, health issues may arise while on vacation

Staying healthy on vacation is a major concern for many travelers when visiting foreign places, but St. Kitts and Nevis have adequate health care facilities should equipped to handle most medical emergencies.

Travelers need not worry about any special health concerns when visiting St. Kitts or Nevis, and no special vaccinations are required to entire the islands. A hospital is located on each island. Still, if you want to be safe, contact the Center for Disease Control before you embark on your trip to ensure you are aware of any newly released information.

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On St. Kitts, Joseph N. France is the main health care facility on the island, located on Cayon Street in Basseterre. To reach the hospital by phone from the island, dial 869-465-2551. Alexandra Hospital serves Nevis and can be found on Government Road in Charlestown. The telephone number for this hospital is 869-469-5473.

The pharmacies on St. Kitts and Nevis are usually open seven days a week, but there are no 24 hour pharmacies on the islands. Most are open until at least 5:00 p.m. You may try calling ahead to be sure of operating hours.

Here is a list of pharmacies on both Nevis and St. Kitts:

Pharmacy

Location

Telephone Number

City Drug

Fort Street Bassetterre, St. Kitts

869-465-2156

Claxton Medical Centre Pharmacy

Main Street Charlestown, Nevis

869-469-5357

Evelyn's Drug Store

Main Street, Charlestown, Nevis

869-469-5278

Parris Pharmacy

Central Street, Bassetterre, St. Kitts

869-465-8569

Before departing for St. Kitts and Nevis, check with your insurance company to see if overseas coverage is part of your policy. Remember to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of coverage and a claim form. Knowing your insurance company's rules for overseas travel may save you money while on vacation. Some insurance companies pay "reasonable and customary" hospital costs but will not cover your medical evacuation, which can cost up to $10,000(USD).

If you are traveling with prescription medication, make sure it is contained in its clearly labeled, original pill bottle. Alongside the bottle, include a prescription slip or note from your physician with information regarding why you are bringing the medication with you. This could help prevent confiscation in customs. It is also wise to pack a Travel Medical Kit, including the following items:

Painkillers including acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen;

Antihistamines;

Topical disinfectant;

Antacids;

Rubbing alcohol;

Bandages;

Thermometer.

A few minor precautions help avoid potential health risks on St. Kitts and Nevis:

Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration especially if spending long periods in the sun;

Wear bug repellent to prevent mosquito bites;

Use caution when going barefoot on the beach. Corals, sea urchins, and jellyfish can cause nasty skin irritations if stepped on.

The water on St. Kitts and Nevis is generally safe to drink . Most of the water is collected from direct precipitation, mountain springs, and wells and is chemically treated for purification. Bottled water is also available for purchase on the islands.